By Chad Hershberger
A family of four got out of their car this summer. The two girls were all smiles. They couldn’t wait to start their week at camp. Their dad told me they have been talking about it all year. As they walked into the Evergreen Center to see the nurse, I felt great that they were here, ready to grow in their faith, make new friends, and be in God’s creation. I feel that way about all our campers, but this family was special because I know we were helping them be here that week. As they left to go meet their cabin leaders, their mom thanked me and handed me two envelopes. Her daughters had written me notes expressing their gratitude for the financial support that Camp Mount Luther provided so they could come to camp. The whole family was grateful for the experience and for the generosity shown to them.
It’s a fact. Summer camp is just not possible without the generosity of our financial supporters. Because so many people donate to our Annual Fund to help with our operating costs each year, we can offer reduced rates to all our campers. We estimate the actual cost to us to provide camp for one week is about $1800 per camper. That includes food, lodging, program supplies, staff, and facilities. Our base fee in 2024 was $595. We also offer families the opportunity to pay up to $850 using our three-tiered pricing structure.
Some families just cannot afford to send their campers to us. They struggle to make ends meet or have experienced a financial hardship like losing a job or an unplanned medical expense. That’s why we have never turned away anyone if they can’t pay for camp. Instead, we have a campership fund to help cover the costs of their stay at camp. People like you give to the Youse Campership Fund to support those who need help to come to camp.
If you didn’t know, the fund is named about Pastor Conrad B. Youse, former administrator of the Lutheran Camping Corporation of Central PA. When Camp Mount Luther was a part of that corporation, he was in charge and worked hard to make sure no camper was left behind if they had financial need. We named our campership fund after him upon his retirement as administrator and in recognition of his leadership when Camp Mount Luther was part of his portfolio of work in outdoor ministries.
I’m sure Pastor Youse would be pleased that we continue the tradition of helping all get to camp. In the last few years, we’ve given out more financial support than ever before. Since the pandemic, people have been struggling with inflation, rising costs, and bouncing back from what we all experienced in 2020. They need the camp experience now more than ever before. And we continue to welcome them here.
Our campership fund could use a boost! We have need to cover the costs of campers that used the fund this year. Would you consider a gift to sponsor a camper today? Any amount is appreciated and would help us to have a financial standing as we head into 2025!